Social Work Internship Program

512-471-3515
Student Services Building - 5th Floor

Program Philosophy

Professional Use of Self is considered the intentional use of one's knowledge, experience, perceptions, and skills in the therapeutic relationship in order to benefit the client.

CMHC recognizes that this can be a challenging process for the trainee, but it seeks individuals who are open to self-exploration as it applies to professional identity development.

Field Placement Description

Social Work interns receive supervised training in a clinical setting involving individual, group, and couples counseling, intake, and crisis intervention. In addition, interns receive training in Program Development, outreach skills, and various specialized therapeutic skills involving specific populations and treatments.

Unique Aspects of the placement

1. August Orientation and TrainingTraining. A training and orientation program, which runs from August 1 - August 31 is planned for our social work and psychology interns before the Fall Semester begins. The program is 40 hours per week for the month of August. A variety of presentations, experiential workshops, and other activities are scheduled to help interns prepare for their roles and responsibilities. In addition to the intensive training activities, informal social events are planned so that interns can build group cohesiveness and meet CMHC staff members.



2. Training Hours. When classes begin for the Fall semester, Social Work interns begin their 20 hour per week placement for the Fall semester. The 40 hour per week Spring semester block placement begins in January.



3. Stipend. A small stipend is provided during the orientation training period.



4. Self & Systems Training Model. CMHC's intern training program reflects a belief in a generalist training model which exposes interns to the functions and service delivery areas common to many agency settings, especially university counseling centers.

Interns initially participate in defined, core areas. As they gain experience in the common areas and develop a clearer understanding of their own interests, training needs, and goals, an increased flexibility to determine individual training options is provided.

Professional seminars complementing the on-going work experiences are an integral part of the training. Trainees from various mental health disciplines, including social work, psychology, and psychiatry, enrich the program.

CMHC is committed to each social work intern's personal and professional development and is sensitive and responsive to individual needs and interests.



5. Intern Supervision. The CMHC staff seeks individuals interested in recognizing their own strengths and integrating personal and professional growth. Training occurs within the context of close supervisory contact with different senior staff members and through participation in various special training and service activities, such as preceptorships and apprenticeships.

Diversity

The CMHC staff is strongly committed to addressing the needs of a diverse student population, and our training programs strive to incorporate and highlight issues of difference as a fundamental part of the training experience.

In 1991, CMHC was one of the first university counseling centers to adopt a Statement on Diversity, as we believed that it was important to make a public statement about our values, commitments, and responsibilities in this area. In 2007, this statement was reviewed and revised by our staff in order to reflect the evolution of knowledge that has occurred over the years as well as our staff's ongoing reflection, discussion, and appreciation of these issues.

Application Process

A complete application must include the following 3 components:

• Resume: Please include your current placement and work history.
• Reference forms: Two reference forms are required: One from your field instructor and one from your Social Work Practice II faculty professor. The online forms are provided below:
  
  Field Instructor Reference Form
  

  SW Practice II Faculty Reference Form
  
  
• Essay question: Create a Word document and answer the following questions in 3 pages or less.
1. How did you decide to enter the field of Social Work?
2. What are your personal strengths and growth areas? Please be specific in discussing these aspects of yourself. They will be a component of your training goals as an intern.
3. Why have you chosen to apply to the UT Counseling Center as an internship site?
4. What life and work experiences have you had that have affected or influenced your self-awareness and development as a Social Worker?

All 3 components above should be submitted to: